Finance

Stewardship

What
an exciting time for our church to discuss, think about and pray about
stewardship. Stewardship is defined as
“The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” Let’s be reminded that it is not the responsible
management of something that is mine…but the responsible management of
something entrusted to me.

Church Budget

The
church budget, created based on the financial support of the church members,
covers a wide range of areas including apportionments, staff salaries, programs
of the church (such as Youth, Children, and Care Ministries), missions, and
operating costs. Unless you’ve been a
Methodist for a while (and sometimes not even then) you may be unfamiliar with
the term apportionment. Apportionments are “a portion” of our gifts
which are shared across many United Methodist mission fields. All United Methodist Churches work together in
order to support these missions at home and around the world.

Automatic Drafts

Automatic
Drafts are easily available for your monthly pledge. We can draft your account once or twice a
month. You don’t have to worry anymore
when you’re on vacation or out of town on Sundays. Your pledge will be taken care of for
you. Come by the business office or call Vicki Jeffery to set up your automatic draft.

Pre-Paid Pledges

Pre-paying
your entire pledge before the end of the year is available as an option. This may provide tax benefits depending on
your circumstances. Pre-paid pledges
have to be paid by December 31 in order to be claimed on that year’s tax
deduction.

Trust Accounts

A
trust account is one in which the principal remains untouched and the available
income is generated by the interest.
This available income is used for various tasks and in programs
throughout the church. Ask About Trust Accounts

Living Legacy

Since
1893 First United Methodist Church of Enid has been involved in spreading the
Word of God in Enid and around the world.
First UMC has numerous and varied ways for planned giving. Planned giving is a way to make sure our
resources are used to benefit ministries at First UMC which have had great
meaning to our lives and our families.

Memorials
are given by friends and family in memory of a loved one. These memorial gifts can be used according to
the family’s wishes to purchase something needed for the church; they are not
used for repairs and maintenance.